We’re two weeks into January, (already!) and it’s the perfect time (and a good a time as any) to hit pause and reflect on your career journey. It’s time to look inward and ask yourself some questions – mainly how your professional growth is tracking. Are you moving closer to your goals? Think of this as your career check-up—a chance to evaluate your progress and be more intentional about your next steps.

Here’s how you can help yourself assess where you’re at and plan for a fulfilling year ahead.

1. Celebrate Your Wins

Don’t underestimate what you’ve already achieved – start positive! Take a moment to acknowledge what you’ve accomplished over the past year. Did you tackle a challenging project, earn a promotion, or learn a new skill? These wins, big or small, represent your hard work and progress.

Tip: Keep a Career Journal/Blog

Write down your achievements as they happen. This will not only boost your confidence but also make updating your CV much easier.

2. Assess Your Current Role

Ask yourself:

• Am I happy and fulfilled in my current position?
• Does my role align with my long-term career goals?
• Am I learning, growing, and feeling valued?

If the answers lean toward “no,” it might be time to explore new opportunities, whether that might mean taking on additional responsibilities, upskilling, more work-life balance or even considering a career change. In a career check-up you can assess where you’re at and understand what you want to keep/change.

Friendly Reminder:

It’s okay for your priorities to change. Your career should evolve as you do.

3. Identify Skills to Develop

The job market is constantly evolving, and staying competitive means building your skill set. Identify areas for improvement or new skills to acquire. These might include:

• Technical skills like coding, data analysis, or project management.
• Soft skills such as leadership, communication, or problem-solving.
• Industry-specific knowledge to keep you ahead of trends.

Action Step:

Research courses, workshops, or certifications to start working on these skills. Check out Keepmeposted Courses for course listings in a variety of industries.

4. Revisit Your Network

Your professional network is a powerful resource. Take some time to:

• Reconnect with old colleagues or mentors.
• Expand your connections by attending events or joining relevant groups.
• Offer support to others in your network—it’s a two-way street!

5. Set Goals for the Year Ahead

Reflect on what you want to achieve this year. Setting clear, actionable goals is key to moving forward. For example:

• Land a new job in a specific field.
• Complete a professional certification.
• Improve work-life balance by setting boundaries.

Pro Tip:

Use the SMART framework for goal-setting:

• Specific: Clearly define your goal.
• Measurable: Decide how you’ll track progress.
• Achievable: Ensure it’s realistic.
• Relevant: Align it with your career aspirations.
• Time-bound: Set a deadline.

6. Create an Action Plan

Having goals is all well and good, but only having a clear direction and consistency will make them happen. Break your goals into smaller, manageable steps. For instance, if your goal is to transition to a new industry, your steps could include:

• Researching the industry.
• Identifying transferable skills.
• Updating your CV and LinkedIn profile.

When you commit to consistent action, even small steps will add up over time.

The Take-away

A career check-up is about more than finding gaps—it’s about recognising your progress, celebrating your achievements, and intentionally planning what comes next. By setting yourself a clear direction, you’re investing in a brighter, more fulfilling career.

So, grab a notebook, find a quiet moment, and try it out. What’s one thing you’ll do this week to move closer to your goals? Make this year your best one yet.

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